If we all spay and neuter our cats and dogs, won’t they become extinct?

Question: If we all spay and neuter our cats and dogs, won’t they become extinct?

Answer: Not everyone will spay and neuter their animals in one day. In the future, when or if the shelters are empty and more people want cats and dogs than are available, we can reconsider this strategy. That day is far in the future, and we have to deal with the reality of dog and cat overpopulation here and now.

We have a very serious dog and cat overpopulation problem. Millions of dogs and cats are killed every year in our shelters, but puppy mills and professional breeders still continue to breed animals. Purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeder contributes to the problem because the purchase creates the economic incentive for intentional breeding. By adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue group, you are directly saving a life.

On top of this problem, many people allow their animals to breed either as a hobby or unintentionally. Even if there are homes lined up for those new puppies or kittens, there will be fewer homes that could be going to animals who are languishing in shelters right now. Breeding cats and dogs takes homes, and therefore lives, away from animals who are already in shelters.

The overpopulation problem is not going to go away overnight. We need to address this problem and spaying and neutering is the best answer.